Pages

Monday, April 2, 2012

Harris Corporation (HRS) Dividend Stock Analysis

Linked here is a detailed quantitative analysis of Harris Corporation (HRS). Below are some highlights from the above linked analysis:

Company Description: Harris Corporation focuses on communications equipment for voice, data and video applications for commercial and governmental customers.Fair Value: In calculating fair value, I consider the NPV MMA Differential Fair Value along with these four calculations of fair value, see page 2 of the linked PDF for a detailed description:

HRS is trading at a discount to 1.), 2.) and 3.) above. Since HRS's tangible book value is not meaningful, a Graham number can not be calculated. The stock is trading at a 35.4% discount to its calculated fair value of $68.76. HRS earned a Star in this section since it is trading at a fair value.

Dividend Analytical Data: In this section there are three possible Stars and three key metrics, see page 2 of the linked PDF for a detailed description:

HRS earned three Stars in this section for 1.), 2.) and 3.) above. A Star was earned since the Free Cash Flow payout ratio was less than 60% and there were no negative Free Cash Flows over the last 10 years. The stock earned a Star as a result of its most recent Debt to Total Capital being less than 45%. HRS earned a Star for having an acceptable score in at least two of the four Key Metrics measured. Rolling 4-yr Div. > 15% means that dividends grew on average in excess of 15% for each consecutive 4 year period over the last 10 years (2002-2005, 2003-2006, 2004-2007, etc.) I consider this a key metric since dividends will double every 5 years if they grow by 15%. The company has paid a cash dividend to shareholders every year since 1941 and has increased its dividend payments for 11 consecutive years.

Dividend Income vs. MMA: Why would you assume the equity risk and invest in a dividend stock if you could earn a better return in a much less risky money market account (MMA) or Treasury bond? This section compares the earning ability of this stock with a high yield MMA. Two items are considered in this section, see page 2 of the linked PDF for a detailed description:

1. NPV MMA Diff.
2. Years to > MMA

HRS earned a Star in this section for its NPV MMA Diff. of the $83,691. This amount is in excess of the $2,400 target I look for in a stock that has increased dividends as long as HRS has. The stock's current yield of 3.38% exceeds the 3.1% estimated 20-year average MMA rate.

Memberships and Peers: HRS is a member of the S&P 500 a member of the Broad Dividend Achievers™ Index. The company's peer group includes: The Boeing Co. (BA) with a 2.3% yield, General Dynamics Corporation (GD) with a 2.8% yield and Raytheon Company (RTN) with a 3.3% yield.

Conclusion: HRS earned one Star in the Fair Value section, earned three Stars in the Dividend Analytical Data section and earned one Star in the Dividend Income vs. MMA section for a total of five Stars. This quantitatively ranks HRS as a 5-Star Very Strong stock.

Using my D4L-PreScreen.xls model, I determined the share price would need to increase to $142.97 before HRS's NPV MMA Differential decreased to the $2,400 minimum that I look for in a stock with 11 years of consecutive dividend increases. At that price the stock would yield 1.1%.

Resetting the D4L-PreScreen.xls model and solving for the dividend growth rate needed to generate the target $2,400 NPV MMA Differential, the calculated rate is 9.6%. This dividend growth rate is well below the 20.0% used in this analysis, thus providing a significant margin of safety. HRS has a risk rating of 2.00 which classifies it as a Medium risk stock.

HRS has an incredible record of dividend increases. For the last 10 years, the company has averaged nearly a 30% annual dividend increase. The range is from a high of 60% in 2003 to a low of 10% in 2010 (2011 was 13.6%). With 72% of its revenue coming from the U.S. government, future budget cuts are a concern and will likely hamper growth prospects. To offset this, HRS plans to diversify its business with offerings in new end markets, including energy and health care. The company should benefit from agencies focus on improving their communications systems. Trading well below my calculated fair value of $68.76, it is one I will keep a close eye on.

Disclaimer: Material presented here is for informational purposes only. The above quantitative stock analysis, including the Star rating, is mechanically calculated and is based on historical information. The analysis assumes the stock will perform in the future as it has in the past. This is generally never true. Before buying or selling any stock you should do your own research and reach your own conclusion. See my Disclaimer for more information.

Full Disclosure: At the time of this writing, I held no position in HRS (0.0% of my Dividend Growth Portfolio). See a list of all my dividend growth holdings here.

Important Information

Material presented on Dividend Growth Stocks is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is the opinion of the author and should NOT be relied on or taken as investing advice. The information and content should not be construed as a recommendation to invest or trade in any type of security. Neither the information, nor any opinion expressed, constitutes a solicitation of the purchase or sale of any security or investment of any kind. Before acting on anything you read on this site, you must do your own research and you must come to your own conclusion which you will ultimately be responsible for, including any loss you may incur. [More]